Don’t let their short stature fool you—dachshunds are one spunky breed! Originally bred in Germany to be hunting dogs, dachshunds had the task of locating burrowing animals like badgers. This fierce, yet cuddly breed is an excellent addition to any household. To learn more about this small but mighty breed, read below!
Personality
A few characteristics to describe this breed are talkative, affectionate, loyal, and stubborn. dachshunds form tight bonds with their owners, so don’t be surprised if you have a mini shadow! One of the more affectionate breeds, dachshunds love curling up next to you on the couch or snoozing away on your lap. This breed’s love languages are definitely quality time and physical touch.
Being extremely loyal, dachshunds are protective of their owners and their household. This breed also tends to be vocal, always letting you know if something is going on! However, training can be used to curb this behavior. It’s recommended to start training early, as Dachshunds can be very stubborn, needing repetitive and consistent training.
Grooming
The amount of brushing a dachshund requires depends on their coat type. For a smooth-haired coat, dirt doesn’t hold on as much to their fur. This type of coat only needs to be brushed out one to two times per week to keep their coat well-maintained. A soft-bristle brush is recommended for this coat type.
A long-haired coat does require daily brushing to avoid the coat from developing knots. A combination of brushes is recommended to ensure a healthy coat. A wide-tooth comb is used first to gently remove any knots, then a slicker brush (a brush with fine, bent wire bristles) is used to remove the loose undercoat.
Wire-haired dachshund’s coats are a bit different when it comes to grooming. Their undercoats are dense and do require stripping (removing the excess fur on the topcoat) two times a year. This coat type is similar to smooth-haired, as it only needs to be brushed a couple of times a week.
Exercise
A common myth is that dachshunds need to do minimal exercise to avoid back issues. Bred as a hunting dog, this breed loves to run around and explore! Dachshunds need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise a day to maintain a healthy weight and for their muscle health. Regular exercise will strengthen the muscles in their back, providing support and decreasing their chances for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
Health Issues
The main health issue to look out for in this breed is IVDD. IVDD is a common disease where the discs in a dachshund’s back will begin to degenerate. IVDD is a genetic disease and there isn’t a true test yet to check for it. However, there are precautions you can take to ensure your dachshund is in great health. Weight management, exercise, supportive bedding, and regular vet visits can help decrease their chances.
Diet
This breed thrives on a high-protein diet with low fats and carbohydrates. The portions will vary depending on your dachshund’s age, weight, and exercise levels. Dachshunds can really benefit from a raw diet: having a shinier coat, healthier skin, and better dental hygiene. Prodog has an excellent raw diet feeding guide, chart, and calculator to figure out how much food your pup needs.
Dachshunds are a spunky breed with lots of love to give! Enjoyed this article? Check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for more service updates, client testimonies, trivia, and more!
